Answers to our most frequently asked questions

The financial planning process often stirs up similar questions and concerns for clients.

Your wealth and how it’s managed is an incredibly personal matter. It’s only natural that you will have questions – and even anxieties – especially when broaching any unfamiliar territory. We’re available to address each of those concerns and have included here some of the most common questions I receive.

I have clients all over the country and, with the help of modern technology and software like GoToMeeting, I’m able to meet with them as if we are sitting across the desk from one another. Whether developing your financial plan, discussing a fee or talking through something complex, we’re able to speak eye-to-eye and have that face-to-face communication. I can also share my screen at any point in our conversation so my clients can easily see anything I might be referencing. If you aren’t local, it’s no big deal.

I generally charge 1% of what you have invested. When deciding if you’d like to work with me, consider whether or not you feel my guidance can add value – either in terms of your portfolio performance or by increasing your financial confidence with strategic planning. If you feel that value exceeds the cost of the fee, then I would be happy to explore next steps in a partnership together.

The second type includes fees associated with the investments we choose.

When getting your car detailed, certain products such as waxes, wheel cleaners or polishes can improve the end results at an additional cost – and that’s how I think of these fees. I still use Collinite 845 to wax my cars and, at $18 a bottle, it’s a steal. Other products/services however – both investment and car-related – may be more expensive, but can potentially come with major benefits. Together we will vet your financial services or product selections and the potential fees incurred to determine if they’re the right fit for your goals.

In an asset-based fee relationship, clients pay an annual fee based on the level of assets for the advice and services provided by their financial advisor as a part of the advisory relationship. In deciding to pay a fee rather than commissions, clients should understand that the fee may be higher than a commission alternative during periods of lower trading. Advisory fees are in addition to the internal expenses charged by mutual funds and other investment company securities. To the extent that clients intend to hold these securities, the internal expenses should be included when evaluating the costs of a fee-based account. Clients should periodically re-evaluate whether the use of an asset-based fee continues to be appropriate in servicing their needs. A list of additional considerations, as well as the fee schedule, is available in the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A as well as the client agreement.

How are they selected? Should I be worried about what the news is telling me?

When I started my career, I felt compelled to become as well-read and designated as quickly as possible. I watched CBNC multiple times a day, read the Wall Street Journal and loads of industry research, and I had subscriptions to publications like Barron’s and Smart Money. This is what a “financial advisor” is supposed to do … right?

But do all these opinions help me analyze whether an investment fits into the organization of your plan or whether it meets my mathematical criteria to make it into a portfolio? I’ve decided they don’t. I’ve found that being obsessed with data and strategy is much more important than focusing on opinions, and I urge my clients to adopt the same mindset. Let me obsess over the data and organization so you can focus on what you are passionate about.

There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Investing involves risk and investors may incur a profit or a loss.

Raymond James financial advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. Contact our office for information and availability.

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